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Friday, October 30, 2009

Once again we gather to celebrate all things in the land of PINK. Thank you to our hostess Beverly @ How Sweet The Sound,she holds all the pink links, so click on her banner to go and visit.

The Mouse and the Clown!!!

My big sister and I in costumes handmade by our Mom.This is the only picture I have of us dressed for Halloweenand it's one of my favorite all time pictures. I'm thinking thepink ears qualify it for Pink Saturday.

Anybody else feel like this? Have you snuck into the Halloween candymeant for the trick or treaters? I shamefully admit it, I've been abad bad little witch and have eaten enough for a few kids. The worstof it is Halloween might be passing through, but next is Thanksgivingand then Christmas. I'm a goner for sure. Oh well, I'll get back in lineafter New Years...maybe...possible...hopefully.

P.S. Little Pumpkins, hop over to HERE @ Loveleigh Occasions,I've posted a few of my favorite Halloween witches I'vefound browsing the world wide web (no spiders thank goodness),I just HAD to post them before Halloween is over!

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

The Man Cub would like to dedicate this photo shoot to a few of his femalerelations that have a minor fixation with the movie Twilight and a certain hunky Edward.

The Man Cub is a "hunk in training" himself and plans on breakingmany a young girl's heart when he gets a bit older, therefor he derives much inspiration from Edward. Not the whole vampire thang, just the "hunk" part.

The Man Cub also asked that I NOT reveal the names of these Twilight obsessed relations, in order to protect their innocence. He doesn't wantto embarrass these GROWN WOMEN and wants to keep his "adorablestatus" intact while he's working on his "hunk status".

Yes indeed, there is trouble ahead for a whole new generation ofyoung ladies!

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

For someone whom we knew only through the world of blogging andthrough your families loving words, we came to know your gentle caringspirit, your sense of wonderment and fun and your unfailing courage.

Thank you for allowing your family to share your story with us, for lettingus all be a small part of your journey and inspiring us each and every day.

They told me the big black Lab’s namewas Reggie as I looked at him lying in his pen. the shelter was clean,no-kill, and the people really friendly. I'd only been in the area for sixmonths, but everywhere I went in the small college town, people werewelcoming and open. Everyone waves when you pass them on the street.

But something was still missing as Iattempted to settle in to my new life here, and I thought a dog couldn'thurt. Give me someone to talk to. And I had just seen Reggie’sadvertisement on the local news. The shelter said they had received numerouscalls right after, but they said the people who had come down to see him justdidn't look like “Lab people,” whatever that meant. They must'vethought I did.

But at first, I thought the shelter hadmisjudged me in giving me Reggie and his things, which consisted of a dogpad, bag of toys almost all of which were brand new tennis balls, his dishes,and a sealed letter from his previous owner. See, Reggie and I didn't reallyhit it off when we got home. We struggled for two weeks (which is how longthe shelter told me to give him to adjust to his new home). Maybe it was thefact that I was trying to adjust, too. Maybe we were too much alike.

For some reason, his stuff (except for thetennis balls – he wouldn't go anywhere without two stuffed in hismouth) got tossed in with all of my other unpacked boxes. I guess I didn'treally think he'd need all his old stuff, that I'd get him new things once hesettled in but it became pretty clear pretty soon that he wasn't going to

I tried the normal commands the shelter told me he knew, oneslike “sit” and “stay” and “come” and “heel,”and he'd follow them – when he felt like it. He never really seemed tolisten when I called his name – sure, he'd look in my direction afterthe fourth of fifth time I said it, but then he'd just go back to doingwhatever. When I'd ask again, you could almost see him sigh and thengrudgingly obey.

This just wasn't going to work. He chewed a coupleshoes and some unpacked boxes. I was a little too stern with him and heresented it, I could tell. The friction got so bad that I couldn't wait forthe two weeks to be up, and when it was, I was in full-on search mode for mycell phone amid all of my unpacked stuff. I remembered leaving it on thestack of boxes for the guest room, but I also mumbled, rather cynically, thatthe “damn dog probably hid it on me..”

Finally I found it, but before I could punchup the shelter’s number, I also found his pad and other toys from theshelter. I tossed the pad in Reggie’s direction and he snuffed it andwagged, some of the most enthusiasm I'd seen since bringing him home. Butthen I called, “Hey, Reggie, you like that? Come here and I'll give youa treat.” Instead, he sort of glanced in my direction – maybe “glared”is more accurate – and then gave a discontented sigh and flopped down.With his back to me.

Well, that’s not going to do iteither, I thought. And I punched the shelter phone number.

But I hung up when I saw the sealedenvelope. I had completely forgotten about that, too. “Okay, Reggie,”I said out loud, “let’s see if your previous owner has anyadvice.”

To Whoever Gets My Dog: Well, I can't say that I'm happyyou're reading this, a letter I told the shelter could only be opened byReggie’s new owner. I'm not even happy writing it. If you're readingthis, it means I just got back from my last car ride with my Lab afterdropping him off at the shelter. He knew something was different.. I havepacked up his pad and toys before and set them by the back door before atrip, but this time… it’s like he knew something was wrong. Andsomething is wrong… which is why I have to go to try to make it right.

So let me tell you about my Lab in the hopes that itwill help you bond with him and he with you.

First, he loves tennis balls, the more the merrier.Sometimes I think he’s part squirrel, the way he hordes them. Heusually always has two in his mouth, and he tries to get a third in there.Hasn't done it yet. Doesn't matter where you throw them, he'll bound afterit, so be careful – really don't do it by any roads. I made thatmistake once, and it almost cost him dearly.

Next, commands. Maybe the shelter staff already toldyou, but I'll go over them again: Reggie knows the obvious ones – “sit,”“stay,” “come,” “heel.” He knows handsignals: “back” to turn around and go back when you put your handstraight up; and “over” if you put your hand out right or left. “Shake”for shaking water off, and “paw” for a high-five. He does “down”when he feels like lying down – I bet you could work on that with himsome more. He knows “ball” and “food” and “bone”and “treat” like nobody’s business.

I trained Reggie with small food treats. Nothing openshis ears like little pieces of hot dog.

Feeding schedule: twice a day, once about seven in themorning, and again at six in the evening. Regular store-bought stuff; theshelter has the brand.

He’s up on his shots. Call the clinic on 9th Street andupdate his info with yours; they'll make sure to send you reminders for whenhe’s due. Be forewarned: Reggie hates the vet. Good luck getting him inthe car – I don't know how he knows when it’s time to go to thevet, but he knows.

Finally, give him some time. I've never been married, soit’s only been Reggie and me for his whole life. He’s goneeverywhere with me, so please include him on your daily car rides if you can.He sits well in the backseat, and he doesn't bark or complain. He just lovesto be around people, and me most especially.

Which means that this transition is going to be hard,with him going to live with someone new.

And that’s why I need to share one more bit ofinfo with you….

His name’s not Reggie.

I don't know what made me do it, but when I dropped himoff at the shelter, I told them his name was Reggie. He’s a smart dog,he'll get used to it and will respond to it, of that I have no doubt but Ijust couldn't bear to give them his real name. For me to do that, it seemedso final, that handing him over to the shelter was as good as me admittingthat I'd never see him again. And if I end up coming back, getting him, andtearing up this letter, it means everything’s fine.

But if someone else is reading it, well… well itmeans that his new owner should know his real name. It'll help you bond withhim. Who knows, maybe you'll even notice a change in his demeanor if he’sbeen giving you problems.

His real name is Tank.

Because that is what I drive.

Again, if you're reading this and you're from the area,maybe my name has been on the news. I told the shelter that they couldn'tmake “Reggie” available for adoption until they received wordfrom my company commander. See, my parents are gone, I have no siblings, noone I could've left Tank with… and it was my only real request of theArmy upon my deployment to Iraq, that they make one phone call the shelter…in the “event”… to tell them that Tank could be put up foradoption. Luckily, my colonel is a dog guy, too, and he knew where my platoonwas headed. He said he'd do it personally. And if you're reading this, thenhe made good on his word.

Well, this letter is getting too downright depressing,even though, frankly, I'm just writing it for my dog. I couldn't imagine if Iwas writing it for a wife and kids and family. But still, Tank has been myfamily for the last six years, almost as long as the Army has been my family.

And now I hope and pray that you make him part of yourfamily and that he will adjust and come to love you the same way he loved me.

That unconditional love from a dog is what I took withme to Iraqas an inspiration to do something selfless, to protect innocent people fromthose who would do terrible things… and to keep those terrible peoplefrom coming over here. If I had to give up Tank in order to do it, I am gladto have done so. He was my example of service and of love. I hope I honoredhim by my service to my country and comrades..

All right, that’s enough. I deploy this eveningand have to drop this letter off at the shelter. I don't think I'll sayanother good-bye to Tank, though. I cried too much the first time. Maybe I'llpeek in on him and see if he finally got that third tennis ball in his mouth.

Good luck with Tank. Give him a good home, and give himan extra kiss goodnight – every night – from me.

Thank you, Paul Mallory

I folded the letter and slipped it back inthe envelope. Sure I had heard of Paul Mallory, everyone in town knew him,even new people like me. Local kid, killed in Iraq a few months ago andposthumously being awarded the Silver Star because he gave hislife to save three buddies. Flags had been at half-mast all summer.

I leaned forward in my chair and rested myelbows on my knees, staring at the dog. “Hey, Tank,” I saidquietly. The dog’s head whipped up, his ears cocked and his eyesbright.

“C’ mere boy.”

He was instantly on his feet, his nailsclicking on the hardwood floor. He sat in front of me, his head tilted,searching for the name he hadn't heard in months.

“Tank,” I whispered. His tailswished.

I kept whispering his name, over and over,and each time, his ears lowered, his eyes softened, and his posture relaxedas a wave of contentment just seemed to flood him. I stroked his ears, rubbedhis shoulders, buried my face into his scruff and hugged him.

“It’s me now, Tank, just you andme. Your old pal gave you to me.”

Tank reached up and licked my cheek. “Sowhatdaya say we play some ball? His ears perked again. “Yeah? Ball? Youlike that? Ball?” Tank tore from my hands and disappeared in the next room.

And when he came back, he had three tennisballs in his mouth.

***************

This story, an no doubt there aremany more like this in one way or another, showcase love, loyalty, serviceand companionship of both our beloved canine companions and our troops.Those men and women who put their lives on the line so that others many livewith the freedoms we take for granted.

Friday, October 16, 2009

Happy Pink Saturday my pretty pink people!As always, you can find all the pink links at our pink homeHow Sweet The Sound. Be sure to see Beverly and she willhook you up with some major pink.

Today I'm sharing a glimpse from a Halloween Party I'm attending at myother blog Loveleigh Occasions, if you wish to see more come on over for avisit. I have opened the family vault and am sharing lots of old familypictures. I hope you are all having a glorious fall and getting intothe Halloween Spirit.

Thursday, October 15, 2009

It's time for our last party in the series from Marie at Emma Calls MeMama! Today's party celebrates traditions surrounding the Holidays.

(Sares, Cousin, Sister)

When I was little, we pretty much had the same routine around theChristmas holidays. We would all load in the car and travel down the road3 1/2 hours to my parents hometown. We would have Christmas withboth sides of the family, but we always stayed at my Mom's parent's house.My Aunts, Uncles and Cousins all stayed there too. There would be 12-14of us crammed into the little two bedroom house my Mom and her twoSisters grew up in.

There were 5 of us little girls very close in age, so the gifts were usuallyvery similar. Each Christmas morning Santa would leave us a stuffedanimal or a doll, or both! They'd all be lined up in a row waiting for us towake up. My gift this particular year was the bear on the far left andthe doll behind it!

This is a picture of my Pappy and my Mom. At least I think it's my Mom!Sometimes it's hard to tell because she has an identical twin sister andthey often look the same in old pictures. They are playing cards, anotherfavorite family tradition, usually played at every get together to this day!

If you'll notice all the red stockings, this was my favorite part! They hadour names spelled out on them in gold glitter on the front and were stuffedto the gills with Christmas goodies of every shape and size! It was a theChristmas jackpot, although they look empty here. It must have beentoo early to stuff them or after the big opening.

Christmas morning and I'm surrounded by presents and wrapping paperin my red nightgown. I still remember how silky soft it was.

You can't tell in any of these pictures, but one of the things I remembermost about a visit to Nana and Pappy's is that my Nana used to keep lotsof extra "housecoats" on pegs behind the spare room bedroom door. Everymorning, the Moms would grab one of these robes, usually ugly, no offenseNana, and go and get their morning cup of coffee. Then a couple of themwould make their way to the porch with Pappy to have a morning ciggie.Talk about family bonding time right!

My Cousin and I discovering our treasures, often we would have to openthe same gift at the same time so the surprise wouldn't be ruined, orbe very careful not to watch while your neighbor was tearing intotheirs. It could be dangerous, the surprise ruined. We still have todo this on occasion. No kidding.

I'm in the purple Polo shirt smiling for the camera here.

We always had so much fun. We'd play games, later the Atari which eventhe adults got in on, created skits, played with our Christmas gifts and spenthours outside exploring the yard and nearby "creek" which was actually adrainage ditch that ran down a hill! My Nana also had a neighbor namedAnn that we would always go and visit, she was very sweet to us.

All these traditions came together to make up the traditions I rememberas a child at Christmas. It was a special, magical time when all we had todo was play. The only downfall...sharing one tiny bathroom with allthose people. Mornings could be torture waiting for my Pappy to comeout of the bathroom!!!

If you'd like to see more Holiday Traditions be sure to hop over to EmmaCalls Me Mama or feel free to join, it's not too late, she always has the Mr.Linky button up the night before the party. All you have to do is post yourmemories and traditions and add your link at her site and you're ready to go!

I've got a batch of living room eye candy for you from Country LivingMagazine. Your MISSION, should you choose to accept it...is to scrollthrough the rooms and tell me which 1 or 2 you like best. Which one mostresembles your own home or better yet, which room could you seeyourself living in. In what room would you feel mostat home, at ease?Please leave me a comment and let me know! I'm just a little curiouswhich style YOU all would pick for yourselves! Then I want you toguess what my pick would be and I'll let you know on the next post.Just for fun, to keep you all in suspense and on the edges of yourseats!

Look #2No Votes, poor lonely room!

Look #3Picked by Valerie (if she had no little children or messy men tocontend with, lol!), Claudia, Rebecca, Leann, and Martha

Look #4Picked by Leann, Christine and Gwendolyn1 vote for me

Look #5No one chose this room for themselves,2 of you thought I chose this room!

Look # 15Picked by Pony Girl and Dusty Devoe5 Votes for me, this was the room that got the most votes,the room most of you thought I would choose...wrong!

Look #16Picked by Aunt Amelia and Martha1 vote for me

Look #17No Votes

Look # 18Picked by Claudia

Look # 19Picked by Valerie, taking the kiddies and the Husband into consideration!1 Vote for me

Look #20No Votes

Look #21Picked by Christine

None of the above!Look #22

I hope you all found at least one room you liked, or somethingclose to what you like. Did you decide which rooms I love?!Please let me know, I am going to re-post this with your namesunder the rooms you chose and we'll see who has similar tastes!

Which room would you LOVE to enter when you walkthrough the front door!

Now what is my pick?

Room # 4! Only Christine guessed it right, but to be fair, she had threeguesses! This would be the living room I would love the most with a fewsmall changes. Change the coffee table for an ottoman, the gold to silver(I LOVE silver), throw in lots of books and picture frames and thereyou have it. I have decided I am a color girl. Give me rich reds andbrowns and blues and rusts. However this is where my Gemini sidecomes into play-my dual personalities if you will because..

This is my second favorite. A crisp white palate you can add color intoas the season changes, or your taste, or the fashion! I like too manystyles, especially the shabby look here. I think I'll take the first look forFall/winter and this look for Spring/Summer, can I do that?! OnlyLee Laurie chose this room for me.Here is another view of the same room. Isn't it yummy!

I did love the pink room most of you chose, however I tend to keeppink in my bedroom. I prefer softer colors in there.

Thanks everyone for playing along and congrats to Christineand Lee Laurie for guessing right, you smart ladies!

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I use pictures from Pinterest/Google images most of the time for my headers because the pictures are so much better than mine! I never claim them as my own and if I ever inadvertently use one of yours and you wish to be given photo credit or for me to remove it, I absolutely will. Until then, I thank all the fabulous photographers out there who add such beauty to the world and to my blog!